Now in its fifth year, the Pro Sound Awards reflects on the excellence in the pro audio industry over the past 12 months. Once the business cards have been shared out, celebrating the best goings-on in the business over a few drinks can also be a lot of fun. From live sound production to innovative installation, the stellar nominees shortlisted by a team of expert judges demonstrates the sheer level of talent in the sector at the moment.

In an age where you can connect with clients, colleagues and customers at the tap of a button, face-to-face networking is more essential than ever. Making an effort to catch up with familiar faces – and familiarising yourself with new ones – is paramount to the success of your business (and the future of the pro audio industry as a whole).

If you need any more reason to attend the biggest night in the pro sound calendar, we’ve come up with a few ideas below. But really – with tickets at just £55 per person – what are you waiting for?

All-new venue

After four memorable years at Ministry of Sound, this year’s event will be held at The Steel Yard in central London. A stone’s throw away from Monument, this Grade II-listed building underneath Cannon Street station will provide the perfect ambiance for a night of getting to know fellow industry folk.

Old-school networking

There really is nothing better than getting to know people face-to-face (rather than their email addresses). With such a wide and diverse range of CEOs, executives, MDs and engineers all under one roof, why pass on the chance to meet them in person? The networking opportunities on offer are unrivalled; from the moment you’re greeted at the door with a welcoming drinks reception, right the way through to the afterparty (which’ll go on until midnight…)

Celebrating excellence in the industry

Did we forget to mention the prizegiving ceremony that’ll take place in between the drinks and light buffet? The Pro Sound Awards wouldn’t be anything without, er, the awards element, so why not support your industry peers and celebrate the award-winning work that’s gone on in the industry over the past 12 months. If you’re up for a gong yourself, you won’t want to miss the moment all your hard work is rewarded, or – if not – there’s nothing more in the spirit of this friendly biz than patting the winner on the back (and maybe buying them a pint afterwards).

Raise a toast to the present… and the future

As always, we’ll be commending up-and-coming industry talent in the form of the Rising Star award (chosen by the editorial team on our sister mag Audio Media International). We’ll also be recognising the efforts of our Grand Prix award-winners and looking back on the decade-spanning career of Funktion-One's Tony Andrews, who deservedly wins this year’s coveted Lifetime Achievement award.

It’s our birthday!

If you’ve not been before, now is the perfect time to get your name on the guest list. The Pro Sound Awards were initially set up five years ago to recognise excellence in the industry, and each year the level of talent has gone from strength to strength. All in all, it’ll be an unmissable night to catch up with the biggest names in the business, relax after busy Plasa and IBC trade shows, and raise a toast to all of those on the shortlist. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Pro Sound Awards 2017 take place on Thursday September 28 at The Steel Yard, London, EC4R 3UL. Tickets are £55pp (plus VAT); buy them at www.prosoundawards.com.